I was watching a documentary on the British Navy in the 1800's today, and the most interesting part was how many common phrases came from the British Navy.
"Limey" - British sailors drank lime water in order to prevent scurvy. The American sailors took to calling them Limeys.
"son of a gun" - Despite what you may have heard, women worked on warships in the 1800's. Children were often born to these women, who had no idea who their father might be. The children were usually born right next to the cannons on the gun deck. The sailors referred these children as "son of a gun."
"3 square meals" - British sailors were served their daily rations on a square piece of wood, therefore they received three square meals a day.
"show them the ropes" - New sailors had to learn what every single one of the hundreds of ropes did on the ship. The old sailors literally had to "show them the ropes."
Rum, Sodomy & the Lash
By the way, have you seen 'the Duellists' yet?
rob smith